Which term describes something present at birth?

Which term describes something present at birth?

• A. Congenital
• B. Adventitious
• C. Usher Syndrome
• D. Macular degeneration

Answer: (A)

Congenital describes something that exists from birth or develops during fetal life, so it is present right when a child is born. This term captures the idea of conditions or traits that are already there at birth, rather than appearing later. Adventitious means something that arises after birth, due to injury, exposure, or other non-inherited factors. Usher syndrome is a specific inherited disorder with progressive vision and hearing loss, not defined by being present at birth. Macular degeneration is typically an age-related condition that develops later in life. Therefore, the term that best fits “present at birth” is congenital.

Congenital describes something that exists from birth or develops during fetal life, so it is present right when a child is born. This term captures the idea of conditions or traits that are already there at birth, rather than appearing later. Adventitious means something that arises after birth, due to injury, exposure, or other non-inherited factors. Usher syndrome is a specific inherited disorder with progressive vision and hearing loss, not defined by being present at birth. Macular degeneration is typically an age-related condition that develops later in life. Therefore, the term that best fits “present at birth” is congenital.